Chance of Showers and Thunderstorms in Northern California, Warming Trend Expected by Weekend

An upper-level low-pressure system is currently about 100 miles offshore, moving south along the California coast.Photo byBen AbrahamonUnsplash

Eureka, CA — Residents of Northern California can expect a mix of showers and isolated thunderstorms today, especially in the interior areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Eureka. However, a significant warming and drying trend is forecast to begin Thursday and continue into early next week, with above-normal temperatures expected by the weekend.

Showers and Thunderstorms Expected Today

An upper-level low-pressure system is currently about 100 miles offshore, moving south along the California coast. This system is bringing a chance of showers, mainly over the ocean this morning. However, as the day progresses and temperatures rise, the interior areas—specifically Mendocino, Lake, Trinity, and southern Humboldt counties—could experience isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.

According to NWS meteorologists, there is a 15-20% chance of thunderstorms in these regions. The forecast models show some instability, with CAPE values (Convective Available Potential Energy) exceeding 200 j/kg in some areas. While not the strongest conditions for thunderstorm development, the chances remain plausible as the system interacts with daytime heating.